Developing literacy across languages

With the current focus on Literacy by the Education Minister, Leighton Andrews, and its core role in the new ESTYN Inspection Framework, the Welsh Government has recently revised the guidance for schools on developing literacy skills across languages.

“Supporting Triple Literacy: Language learning in Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3” takes into account developments in Wales including the focus on skills development and the 'Skills framework for 3 to 19-year-olds in Wales', the revised National Curriculum (2008), the Key Stage 2 primary languages pilot, developments in the Foundation Phase and the renewed focus on literacy through the literacy plan for Wales.

The guidance supports language teachers working together across languages so that they can build on learners’ other language experience and prior learning, and assist in their progress in whatever languages they are studying. It shows how connections can be made to support improved literacy in all languages and highlights a range of opportunities to develop language and literacy skills across English, Welsh, Welsh second language and modern foreign languages. It includes practical ideas for teaching and learning through case studies of good practice and provides a common glossary of language terms.

Much progress has been achieved by schools in this area since the publication of “Making the Link” (2003) and early CILT Cymru funded triple literacy action research projects (2005-2007). However, further collaboration is needed to ensure that teachers of Welsh, English and MFL are not working in isolation, and are capitalizing on the good work that is going on in all three subject areas as regards developing pupils’ literacy skills, as well as the earlier language work that has gone on at primary level.

To coincide with the publication of this new guidance, CILT Cymru is sponsoring further action-research work on developing literacy skills across languages. Further information about the schools involved and their projects will be made available shortly.